While the LA Clippers have enjoyed improved injury luck this season, they have not been without problems. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George began the year with a clean bill of health and shocked many with their improved availability, but things have gotten a tad bit messier as December has progressed.
Paul George has missed two games this month but it is Kawhi Leonard's health that has been more concerning. He has not played since the Clippers' win in Dallas on December 20, missing each of the team's last four games.
Kawhi has been sidelined with hip soreness. According to Head Coach Tyronn Lue, Leonard first incurred the hip injury in Utah back on December 8, but re-aggravated it against the Mavericks.
Now, it has been confirmed by Lue that Leonard is officially back to practicing with the team as of Sunday. The Clippers' coach also noted that Mason Plumlee will be participating in his first practice since his MCL injury in the first week of November.
Clippers coach Ty Lue said that Kawhi Leonard is "practicing" Sunday.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) December 31, 2023
Lue also said that center Mason Plumlee was practicing.
Kawhi Leonard and Mason Plumlee practiced on Sunday
This is obviously major news on the injury front. LA lost their first two games without Kawhi on the floor, bouncing back with wins over the Hornets and Grizzlies after. But it is clear that they are not on the same level without their best player out there.
While not the Clippers' most important player, Mason Plumlee's absence has also been a major development for this team in the first two months of the season. It led to them acquiring Daniel Theis, and his return will give them much greater depth in the frontcourt.
There is not currently an estimation as to when either player will return for LA. But both appear to be relatively close to a return to action, with Ty Lue saying "we'll see" when asked if Kawhi will play on Monday.